How to Reach Gokarna

Gokarna is one of the top tourist destinations in Karnataka and thus, it is well-connected with cities in Karnataka and other states of India via air, rail, and road. The thrilling adventure activities and natural beauty are huge attractions of Gokarna and therefore, you will see a large number of tourists visiting from nearby cities like Bangalore and Pune. If you are planning to visit Gokarna, here is a detailed guide on how to reach Gokarna by different means of transportation.

How to reach Gokarna by Air (flight):

The nearest airport to reach Gokarna is in Dabolim, Goa. It is located around 154 km away and is well-connected with most parts of India as well as with few international countries. Taxis can be hired from outside the airport to reach Gokarna.

Your ultimate Gokarna Guide for a laid-back beach escape and sacred temples!

Here are some destinations connected with Gokarna by air:

How to reach Gokarna by Rail (Train):

You can reach Gokarna by taking a train to Ankola. It is the nearest railway station about 20 km from Gokarna. Trains to Gokarna are available from cities like Mangalore, Mumbai, Trivandrum, and more. You can avail the taxi services available outside the railway station to reach Gokarna.

Here are some destinations connected with Gokarna by train:

How to reach Gokarna by Road (Taxi, Buses):

Gokarna is well-connected by road with all the major cities in Karnataka. You can avail KSRTC buses that link Gokarna to various destinations like Madgaon (125 km), Mangalore (225 km), and Bangalore (475 km).

Here are some destinations connected with Gokarna by road:

Bangalore to Gokarna by road (bus/self-drive)

Take a break from the fast-paced life of Bangalore and plan a road trip to Gokarna. You can either take a bus or plan a fun road trip with your loved ones. En route, enjoy the beautiful views. Here is the route to reach Gokarna from Bangalore –

Route: Bangalore – Kodandarampura – Sirsi-Haveri Road – Kumta-Hubli Road – Gokarna

Apart from the other two routes, this is the fastest route to reach from Bangalore to Gokarna. It passes through NH 48 and NH 66 and is one of the most beautiful road trips you will ever take.

• Distance: 489 km (approx.)
• Travel Time: 9 hours (approx.)

Places to Visit

These are some of the places you can visit on the way from Bangalore to Gokarna –

• Government Aquarium
• Indira Gandhi Musical Fountain Park
• Nijagal Betta
• Shiva Cave
• Chitradurga Fort

Wondering when to go? Check out the best month to visit Gokarna for perfect weather!

Places to eat in Gokarna

For a quick snack, here are some top restaurants en route Bangalore to Gokarna –

• Alba
• UNO
• Farzi Café
• Spice Terrace
• JW Kitchen

Road Conditions: The road conditions from Bangalore to Gokarna are well-maintained. The views on this route are surreal and instantly puts you in a good mood.

Mumbai to Gokarna by road (bus/self-drive)

Escape the crowds and traffic of Mumbai and visit Gokarna by road with your dear ones. The smooth roads and scenic views on the way takes away all your stress and make your journey memorable. Here is the route to reach Gokarna from Mumbai –

Route:  Bengaluru-Mumbai Highway – Mumbai-Pune Highway – Panvel Expressway – Kittur – Kannadagall – Gokarna

Pass through NH 48, AH 47, SH 93, and NH 52 to reach Gokarna from Mumbai. The route is scenic and has many tourist attractions and eateries that will keep you full and entertained.

• Distance: 690 km (approx.)
• Travel Time: 13 hours (approx.)

Places to Visit

Here are some of the best places to visit on your way to Gokarna from Mumbai –

• Joshi’s Museum of Miniature Railways
• Kittur Fort
• Yellapur
• Shiva Cave
• Shri Uttar Chidambaram Nataraj Mandir

Places to eat

Delight in a meal with your loved ones at these restaurants on the way from Mumbai to Gokarna –

• Portico
• Vithal KAMAT Restaurant
• Barbeque Nation
• Garden Court Restaurant
• KFC

Road Conditions: The roads are in good condition from Mumbai to Gokarna. You can enjoy a comfortable ride and the breathtaking views around you.

Pune to Gokarna by road (bus/self-drive)

Gokarna is one of the best places to visit near Pune within 600 km. You can easily plan a road trip to Gokarna from Pune and enjoy the pleasant weather. Here is the route you can use to reach the beautiful town of Gokarna.

Route:  Chandrashekhar Govind Aapte Road – Lal Bahadur Shastri Road – Narveer Tanaji Malusare Road/Sinhgad Road – New Canal Road – Kudale BaugKudale Baug – Kittur – Balale – Gokarna

Treat your eyes to scenic views on this route to Gokarna from Pune via Mysore Road via NH 48, AH 47, and NH 52. Also, visit some popular tourist attractions on the way and make your journey more enjoyable.

• Distance: 544 km (approx.)
• Travel Time: 11 hours (approx.)

Places to Visit

Here are some of the top tourist attractions you can visit en route Pune to Gokarna –

• Bhandardara Nature Camping
• Pataleshwar Temple
• Belagavi Fort
• Kittur Fort
• Kakati Windmills

Places to eat

From Pune to Gokarna, you will find these restaurants you can halt at –

• Barbeque Nation
• Rasoi Dining Hall
• Sai Fast Food Court
• Shahi Garden Hotel
• Kava-All Day Dining

Road Conditions: The roads between Pune and Gokarna are in great condition and offer great sights. The highways between these places are well-maintained and offer a smooth and blissful ride.

Mangalore to Gokarna by road (bus/self-drive)

Take a break from your daily routine and visit Gokarna by road. You can take a bus or plan a fun road trip with family, friends, or your significant other. The scenic views and lush greenery will make this ride more enjoyable. Here is the route to reach Gokarna from Mangalore by bus, car, or taxi –

Route: Mangalore – Bejai – Kavoor Road – Kotekani – Sagadgeri – Madangeri – Gokarna

This is the fastest route to reach Gokarna from Mangalore that passes through NH 66. Stop by tourist places and restaurants and make your journey delightful.

• Distance: 232 km (approx.)
• Travel Time: 5 hours (approx.)

Places to Visit

Halt at these places on the way to Gokarna from Mangalore –

• Pandava Cave
• Pavinakura Hanging Bridge
• Dambel River Side
• Shree Kundeshwara Temple
• Arbi Falls

Places to Eat

To satiate your hunger, stop at one of the following restaurants –

• Shree Rama Prasad Hotel
• Sitara Family Restaurant and Bar
• Aradhana Bar and Restaurant
• Chillies Family Restaurant
• Green Tadka

Road Conditions: The meandering roads between Mangalore and Gokarna are in great condition. You can enjoy a smooth ride and have a great time with your loved ones.

Madgaon to Gokarna by road (bus/self-drive)

Madgaon is the closest place located to Gokarna and a fun road trip can be easily planned to this town. The route is really beautiful and has many eateries and tourist places that will keep you entertained. Here is the route to reach Gokarna from Madgaon –

Route: Madgaon – Swami Chinmayanand Road – Navelim – Balale – Gokarna

This is the fastest route to reach Gokarna from Madgaon that passes through SH 8 and NH 66. Also, this is one of those road trips which must be taken to take a break from a hectic schedule.

• Distance: 124 km (approx.)
• Travel Time: 3 hours (approx.)

Places to Visit

Here are some places to visit on the way from Madgaon to Gokarna –

• Fernades Heritage House
• Kali River Garden
• Sadashivgad Fort
• San Thome Museum
• Nagarmadi Water Falls

Places to Eat

Delight in a meal at these restaurants between Madgaon and Gokarna –

• Krishna Multicuisine Veg Restaurant
• Mac C’s Restaurant
• Kalika Bar and Restaurant
• Old Smuggler Bar and Restaurant
• Martins Multicuisine Restaurant and Bar

Road Conditions: The roads between Madgaon and Gokarna are well-maintained. It offers one of the best journeys with scenic views.